Inset: Jennifer Ann Garrett (Hill County Jail via WXTX). Background: Gracious Beginnings Day Care in Hubbard, Texas, where Garrett allegedly made one toddler bite another child’s arm (Google Maps).
The owner of a Texas daycare allegedly restrained two toddlers on an outdoor playground and forced one child to bite the other on the arm, authorities say.
Jennifer Ann Garrett, 46, has been charged with injury to a child, according to court records.
Local CBS affiliate KWTX reported a probable cause arrest affidavit said the incident occurred at Gracious Beginnings Day Care in Hubbard, which is about 30 miles northeast of Waco.
Investigators reviewed video that allegedly showed Garrett “deliberately” pressing her hand against the back of a 2-year-old girl’s head on Aug. 26 while lifting another toddler’s arm, according to an affidavit. Garrett is accused of forcing the first child to bite the other girl between the wrist and elbow.
“Garrett used her left hand to physically restrain Jane Doe #1’s right arm,” preventing the child from pulling it away while Jane Doe #2 allegedly bit her, police wrote, according to the affidavit.
Afterward, the child who allegedly delivered the bite “took both of her hands up to the side of her own head as if she was upset,” the affidavit said, per KWTX.
Police also said Garrett “forcefully kept control” of the other toddler’s arm before quickly walking her to the opposite side of the playground.
Authorities have not said whether the bite broke the child’s skin. The report also does not explain how the alleged incident came to light or what happened beforehand.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is also reportedly investigating the case.
Garrett was arrested last week and booked into the Hill County Jail. She has since posted bond. A date for her next court appearance was not available.
If convicted of the third-degree felony, Garrett could face two to 10 years in prison.
Gracious Beginnings says it offers “loving care while you’re not there,” according to the daycare’s Facebook page. Garrett was not immediately available for comment.
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